Canadian unemployment rate decreased 0.1 percentage points to 5.8% as fewer people searched for work

Employment was little changed in October. The unemployment rate decreased 0.1 percentage points to 5.8% as fewer people searched for work. Since November 2017, the unemployment rate has ranged from 5.8% to 6.0%.

In the 12 months to October, the number of employed people grew by 206,000 or 1.1%, with the bulk of the gains in full-time work (+173,000). Over the same period, total hours worked rose by 0.7%.

Employment rose slightly in Saskatchewan, while there was little change in all other provinces.

More people were employed in business, building and other support services; wholesale and retail trade; and health care and social assistance. In contrast, there were fewer workers in "other services;" finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing; and natural resources.

There were fewer public sector employees in October, while there was little change in the number of private sector employees and the self-employed.

In October, employment increased for men in the core working ages of 25 to 54, and women aged 55 and over. On the other hand, there were fewer employed youths aged 15 to 24.